Pictures for Mike

Here you go sweetheart here are some pictures of the kids for your viewing pleasure!

For readers in addition to Mike, we were skyping this morning and I thought I would take a picture of Andrew chatting with him and I thought the picture was so cute that I had to put it on the blog. This is how we communicate with our Mikey, and daddy these days and we are so grateful for the technology that allows this! I can't imagine sending him to war and not ever really knowing what was going on with him but only through letters. It is great to talk on the phone but to see his face as well is really something special. Shelby calls the phone dada and loves to talk to him on the computer these days. She is going to be in for a real treat when she actually gets to hug him in less than 5 weeks now!! WHOOT WHOOT!!!

The other pictures are of the beautiful flowers I got from my sweaty in Afghanistan, as well as some pictures of the kids with messy faces and being cute!!!

Shelby's Birthday!

So it happened Shelby turned 1!!! I cannot believe it has been a whole year since she came to us! She is such an amazing little spirit. I have thoroughly enjoyed this getting to know her this year. Shelby knows what she wants and is not going to settle until she gets it. Just like her mommy she is stubborn and it will bring her great success as she continues in this world. Shelby is walking and babbling and giggling and playing. She is a big girl and we are so proud of her height and strength. Mike misses her bunches and he can't wait to see her soon. We are also pleased to announce that she can feed herself and has mastered putting everything and anything in her mouth, I knew it would come eventually. Anyway we love her tons and I am so glad that she is mine to enjoy, she brings great love to our family! Happy Birthday Shelby I love you with all my heart.

Here are some pictures from the big day and a few videos that end with you wanting more!!!















p.s. this is the last of the big events that Mike is going to miss! WHOOO HOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

Some random shots.

Here are some random pictures from the last little while.

Mike sent a package from Afghanistan the other day and inside was a dead animal or many dead chinchillas that were made into a blanket. The kids thought it was really soft and fun to lay on but said it was stinky. I am not sure how I will decorate with this.


Shelby standing so proudly and is now officially walking!


Some lovely tulips that Mike had sent to us in time for Shelby's birthday!


Shelby was walking and hugged Andrew so sweet I tried to catch but this was the back end of the hug.


This is what my bed looks like in the morning and I have been kicked out!


If you have ever put Andrew to sleep you will understand 'arm' and is sharing his arm with one of Sydneys bitty twins named 'Chaddy'.

Andrew turns 4 and Disneyland

So we went to disneyland before Christmas and then I guess I put my camera away because the next pictures were Andrews birthday at Chuck E Cheese. We did have Christmas but I was using the video camera and forgot the camera. Anyway the funnel cake bite was for my Mikey who loves it and so I dedicated that bite to him!!! Andrew had a birthday party in California with cousins at Chuck E Cheese and it was awesome. I would recommend this place for a birthday super easy and affordable. Then we came home on Andrews real birthday and had a party with Grandpa Dave and Grandma Julie. I am so excited that it is finally Jan 2 and the traveling is done and we can get back into a routine and start the down slope of Mikes deployment. We are more than half way hooray!!!! Anyway enjoy the pictures! We love you MIKE!

p.s. While in California we got to go the Warriors vs Celtics game. My dad JP Dustin and I(and Shelby) sat in a luxury box. Chad and my Mom sat down a little closer. If you look to the left of me on about row 3 you can see a green hat and then to the left of the green hat you can see my moms red hair, that is where they sat lucky ducks!!!!